If you've recently purchased a used or rebuilt motorcycle, you may still be tuning it and tinkering with it in anticipation of getting it back on the road. Unfortunately, for motorcycles that have had a rough go of things under previous ownership, even experienced mechanics may have trouble preventing power surges or other misfires while the engine is warming. If this is the case, having your motorcycle tuned with the help of a dynanometer (dyno) may be the answer. Read on to learn more about the benefits (and costs) of dyno tuning for your motorcycle.

What benefits can dyno tuning provide?

Often, rebuilt or not-so-gently-used motorcycles can suffer from a number of timing issues that may leave you wobbling or struggling to maintain speed as you take off from a stoplight or navigate a sharp turn. In other cases, engine misfires can cause you to unexpectedly slow as you enter a turn or try to accelerate after pulling out, potentially putting you in danger. By having your motorcycle professionally tuned with a dyno, you'll be able to regain smooth firing and constant engine performance to avoid any snags while operating your bike.

Dyno tuning can be as minimal or involved as you'd like, but generally requires you to purchase programmers and resistors for use in testing your own dyno's engine. You'll also need to rent time with a dyno and either utilize a technician who can help tune your motorcycle or do this yourself (assuming you can interpret the dyno's readings without much assistance). The dyno will measure your engine's output and performance and give you the data you need to make minor to moderate timing changes and other modifications to help your engine run smoothly. You may need to do some tinkering over the course of a day or two, but should be able to gather enough data and perform enough test cycles during your dyno session to pinpoint exactly the changes you need to make to maximize your performance and solve any problems you may have noticed.

In addition to increasing performance and minimizing the number of engine misses or stalls you experience, having your motorcycle dyno tuned can significantly improve your engine's fuel economy. For states that require motorcycles to undergo annual inspections or emissions certifications, dyno tuning can also improve your odds of passing with flying colors on the first try (rather than having to undertake potentially expensive repairs in order to get your motorcycle to passing status).

When should you seek dyno tuning for your motorcycle?

Dyno tuning is often associated with racing, and isn't necessary for many new or gently-used motorcycles -- but for those that have already had engine or transmission replacements or haven't always had regular maintenance performed, dyno tuning can be crucial to ensuring the long-lasting performance of recently-replaced components. By having your motorcycle dyno tuned, you'll be able to improve safety (and fuel economy) while minimizing the number of misfires and other engine hitches that can compromise the lifespan of your parts. 

Dyno tuning can also be important for novice motorcycle riders. Because motorcycle navigation and operation requires much more skill than driving a car or truck, having a motorcycle that is responsive to your commands is key when operating on a busy road -- however, obtaining a well-tuned used motorcycle at a low price can be a challenge in many parts of the country. However, dyno tuning your motorcycle should help improve its performance enough to bring it into the same category as a newer bike, giving you a much safer way to begin your journey as a new rider. For more information, contact a company like Power Test Inc.